The universal baseball truth at this time of year is that even when it seems quiet, it really isn’t. The Astros have and will continue to have plenty of conversations — even if that means just a simple inquiry — but few will actually go anywhere.

The Astros have about $30 million to potentially add in payroll for the 2014 season alone, but they’ve made only smaller moves to bolster depth so far. Former Cardinals outfielder Adron Chambers and veteran righthanded reliever Peter Moylan have both agreed to minor league deals, although the Astros have yet to make those moves official. They added another former Cardinal, third baseman Ryan Jackson, off waivers as well.

Negative attention

In an offseason in which Prince Fielder and Ian Kinsler were traded for each other, the Astros’ moves barely registered. News conferences have been held this month to announce the arrival of the Civil Rights game and another lawsuit, not a big-name player. Those aren’t exactly the grabbing headlines the Astros need ahead of a season in which they need to win more and remind fans they’re worthwhile.

But in context, it’s still early. The Astros don’t see this offseason as one that’s moved unexpectedly. Moves like that Kinsler-Fielder deal or even Brian McCann’s five-year, $85 million signing with the Yankees can give a public impression it’s a little further along than it really is.

It may be fair to say the activity has picked up quickly this year, considering the winter meetings are still nearly two weeks away. But some of the free agents who have come off the board already were probably examples of targeted acquisitions: situations where teams set out this offseason to acquire a particular player and got it done early. That’s not abnormal.

Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow has indicated this offseason that the outfield is one of the easier places to envision adding a piece. A starting outfielder, however, is not a necessity.
The Astros are open-minded. There’s a bottom line for projected wins they want to reach, and they can get there many ways. Adding a starting outfielder might do it, but so, too, could adding platoon pieces to the outfield or doing nothing with the outfield and adding pitching.

One agent suggested that teams are particularly cognizant of known quantities this winter. There might be hesitancy to give a pitcher with the potential to throw 180 innings the money a 180-inning pitcher deserves if he’s never actually reached that plateau. Paying for potential alone is risky.

Playing the waiting game

Because the Astros aren’t what one might call a “destination” team — a big-market club that’s guaranteed to be in contention — they may well benefit from a waiting game more than most.

Players who hold out to sign for higher salary demands early in the offseason could become reasonable acquisitions, if not bargains, after the new year. That includes the free agents who received qualifying offers. Giving up a draft pick isn’t easy, but if the price tag for the player were right, the Astros likely would have interest.

The drama unfolding between former Astros owner Drayton McLane and current owner Jim Crane isn’t a pretty backdrop for free-agent and trade pursuits, but the team’s budget hasn’t changed. Neither has its offseason plan for acquisitions, even as other teams have executed theirs in more visible fashion.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Rick Ankiel
New York Mets
Position: Outfielder
Season with Astros: 2013

Rick Ankiel
New York Mets
Position: Outfielder
Season with Astros: 2013